CVG Venalum resumes aluminum exports to the United States

CVG Venalum has exported more than 15,000 metric tons of primary aluminum to the United States, marking the resumption of shipments to the American market after nearly a decade. The shipment, consisting of high-purity aluminum ingots with a purity level between 99.5% and 99.7%, originated from the plant located in Bolívar state, Venezuela.

The commercial operation was conducted through an agreement involving CVG Venalum, Mercuria Energy Group Ltd., and the New York-based investment firm Heeney Capital. The shipment is estimated to have a market value of approximately $50 million. This move follows a previous shipment to the U.S. in 2018, which totaled 8,000 tons.

Venezuelan authorities, including the Minister of Ecological Mining Development and Basic Industries, Héctor Silva, stated that the dispatch is part of a broader effort to recover aluminum exports. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy and Critical Minerals, Dan Kennedy, noted his expectation that the commercial alliance would continue in the coming years. While Venalum has historically faced production challenges due to lack of investment and electricity supply issues, this export aims to strengthen the international presence of the Venezuelan metallurgical industry.